The HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR is a weather-resistant wide zoom lens designed for Pentax K-mount digital cameras. The first zoom lens in the acclaimed Limited Lens series, this zoom lens features an in-lens AF driving motor and offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 30.5-61.5mm. The Pentax 20-40mm f/2.8-4 lens has been treated with the PENTAX-developed HD coating, a high-grade, multi-layer coating that reduces reflection in the visible light spectrum to less than 50% of that of conventional multi-layer coatings. It also incorporates an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and a super-low-dispersion glass element in its optical formula. Other highlights include a quick-shift focus system, Super Protect coating and an iris diaphragm with rounded blades. Available in black and silver, the HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR carries an RRP of £849.99.

Pentax Press Release

HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR

The first zoom lens in the Limited Lens series, designed for use with PENTAX K-mount lens-interchangeable digital cameras

RICOH IMAGING U.K LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR interchangeable lens, designed for use with PENTAX K-mount lens-interchangeable digital cameras. The first zoom lens in the acclaimed Limited Lens series, this zoom lens features a lens-installed AF driving motor and a dependable weather-resistant construction.

This is the first zoom lens of the high-performance Limited Lens series, providing exceptional visual description, distinctive appearance and a meticulously detailed finish. It features a two-times zoom range covering focal lengths from moderate wide angle to standard, and a large maximum aperture of F2.8 at its wide-angle end. In addition to the state-of-the-art HD coating and completely round-shaped diaphragm, it also comes equipped with a weather-resistant construction – a first for the Limited Lens series - and a smooth, quiet AF system driven by a lens-installed AF motor, to capture beautiful, high-quality images, even in demanding weather conditions.

Main Features

1. The first two-times zoom lens in the Limited Lens series

With its two-times zoom coverage from 20mm to 40mm, this lens offers a focal-length coverage from 30.5mm to 61.5mm (in 35mm format) when mounted on a PENTAX K-series lens-interchangeable digital camera body. It provides the most frequently used focal lengths required for many popular applications, such as scenic photography, snapshots and portraiture, making it the ideal choice as an all-purpose, everyday lens.

Inheriting the design concept of the Limited Lens series, this lens is designed with an optical construction that reproduces the feeling of depth while minimising astigmatism over the entire zoom range. It allows the photographer to optimise the subject’s visual description, by making its appearance softer at larger apertures and sharper at smaller apertures. Its lens barrel, hood and cap are made of a high-grade aluminium material, and are hand-machined for perfect proportions and beautiful texture. The zoom ring in the mid-section of the lens barrel features a series of grooves to facilitate zooming operation.

3. State-of-the-art optical technology

The lens has been treated with the PENTAX-developed HD coating*, a high-grade, multi-layer coating that reduces reflection in the visible light spectrum to less than 50 percent of that of conventional multi-layer coatings. This allows the user to capture crisp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even in adverse lighting conditions. It also incorporates an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and a super-low-dispersion glass element in its optics to deliver clear, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness, while effectively compensating for chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.

* HD stands for High Resolution.

4. The first weather-resistant lens in the Limited Lens series

This lens is the first Limited Lens-series model to feature a weather-resistant construction, with seven special seals to prevent the intrusion of water and moisture into the lens interior. By mounting it on a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, the user is assured of greater durability and reliability when shooting in the rain or mist, as well as locations subject to spray or splashes.

5. Other features

・Smooth, quiet AF operation using a lens-installed AF driving motor

・Round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (blur) effect, while minimising the streaking effect of point light sources

・The lens features the Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system

Your Comments

I was interested in K5 or K3 but just didn't like the old lens lineup. Low and behold...just the type of lens I was looking for! Limited, zoom, wr, in body motor...Now wait and see how it prices out in North America.